
A. TRIBUTE 



TO THB 



MEMORY 



OP 



LIEUT. JOHN HOWAED WORCESTER, 



IX A DISCOUKSE DELIVEKED AT 



HOLLIS, ]V. H. 



0]Sr SABBATH, JAISTTJARY id 4. , 1864 



BY P. B. DAY, 

Pastor of the Congregational Church. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



NASHUA : 

PRINTED AT THE N. H. TELEOBAPH OFFICE. 

1864. 



^\. TKIB ITTli: 



To THK 



M E M O Rli 



T 



o» 



LIEUT. JOHN HOWAED WORCESTEE, 



IN A DISCOURSE DELIVERED AT 



ttOLlL.I», N. H. 



ON SABBATH, JANUARY 3 4, 1864 



BY P. B. DAY, 

t'astor of the Congregational Church. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



NASHUA : 

PRIMTBO kX THB N. H. TELEGRAPH OFFICE, 
18G4. 






61503 
'05 



J 






DIS COURSE. 



The circumstances which now call us together though 
painful in their connections are neither new, nor strange. 
This is a day of unhappy and cruel warfare, and we have 
come to bury a young soldier who has died honorably, and 
heroically in the defence of his country. There is scarcely 
a village in all our loyal borders, Avhich has not participated 
in like painful scenes. There is hardly a church bell that 
has not tolled the knell of some^gallant soldier ; nor a cem- 
etery which does not hold the like honored dust. We now 
come to lay down another martyr with the great company 
scattered over a thousand battle-fields, and in oiu* quiet 
church yards. 

Were we to seek a passage from the sacred page around 
which to cluster a few thoughts, as an appropriate tribute to 
the memory of our young friend, perhaps we could find none 
more expressive of his character, and his career as a soldier, 
than, the words of the young Persian Queen found in 

Esther 4:16 — " So will I go — and if I perish, I perish." 

Such were often substantially his utterances, while 
contemplating his duty to enter the service of his coun- 
try. A word or two in explanation of the circumstances in 
which these words were spoken, will show their relevancy 
to the case before us. Through the instigation of a popular, 
and perfidious counselor at the Persian Court, a cruel decree 
had been issued from the throne that the Jewish people, then 
in exile, should be cut off at a blow. This decree was sign- 
ed ; the plans were laid ; messengers were already sent out 
to execute the bloody purpose. Nothing remained to carry 



the great Natloiuil tr;iL>OLly into effect, but the arrival of the 
appropriate liour, when the armed assassins should go forth to 
execute the decree. Esther was yet an unsophisticated bride. 
She knew little of the world, and much less of the intrigues 
of a corrupt court. But she was keenly alive to all that per- 
tained to the welfare of her people, and counted no sacrifice 
too great to save them. Looking about for some way of de- 
liverance she saw no other than to risk her own life in the 
hazardous experiment. Setting aside all court formal- 
ities, and legal forms ; trusting to the righteousness of her 
cause, she entered upon her perilous mission. By the Per- 
sian Law it was a capital offence to appear before the king 
while upon his throne without his permission. But there was 
no other means of securing the object — and the young Queen 
fully counting the cost, and nerving herself to meet the alter- 
native, said, "So will I go in unto the king which is not ac- 
cording to the law, and if I perish, I perish". Though Es- 
ther was no soldier, she had the spirit, and the heroism which 
in the stronger sex manifests itself in the courage of the bat- 
tle-field and the endurance of the camp. It was heroism 
made lofty and sublime by its alliance with feminine love and 
purity. 

This historical incident will illustrate the theme of my pres- 
ent remarks, which will be. The nature of Patriotism; and its 
influence over men; rspecially over the soldier. We shall then see 
how far our young friend was actuated by this virtue in en- 
tering the service of his country. 

L Fatrtutism is one of the loftiest virtues which can actiuite 
the human niind. 

Human virtues have a grade. Commencing at a point lit- 
tle above animal instincts, they rise in magnanimity, and dis- 
interestedness to a region nearly angelic. It is hardly a mis- 
nomer to say there is a glimmering of virtue in the trusty 
horse, and the fiiithful dog. From this lowest point just 
above the biaite instincts, the scale ascends till you arrive to 
the highest limits of finite attainments. 

At the head of all, as the crowning excellence, stand 
the christian virtues, the image of God in the human 
soul. These are the golden Hnks which connect man with 
angelic nature, and fit him for a glorified being. They are 
the great comprehensive virtues ; the foster parent of all 
others. They are Heaven born, and hence made the special 



5 



tlieme of divine Revelation. Thv^ir possession entitles one to 
a companionship with the saints on high. Next to these, and 
the first of the strictly, natural virtues is Patriotism. This is 
the place which History, and Philosophy have always assign- 
ed to it. It comes next to the christian virtues in the breadth 
of its aims. C/irisiianity loves God, and our race. Patriotism 
is a grade lower, and loves the country. Christianity has a 
hold upon its subjects stronger than life, and so has Patriot- 
ism. Martyrs for cither can be counted by thousands. 
Patriotism does not necessarily rise to heaven where Christian- 
ity culminates, but so far as the breadth of their humanity is 
concerned; one is as near the other, as the number of inhabi- 
tants in a single nation are to the number included in our 
race. Patriotism is a family affection enlarged, and extend- 
ed to a whole country. It is a respect, and love for one's 
neighbors carried out to the great neighborhood over which 
the national compact prevails. It is a love for the religion 
Ave have been taught; for the laws by which we have been pro- 
tected ; lor the educational, and political institutions under 
which we have been trained. It is a love for the hills, and 
the plains over which we have travelled ; for the sepulchres 
of our Fathers ; for the flag which has protected us. It is a 
love for the reputation, and honor of the country which has 
given us birth, and with wliich all our interests are now iden- 
tified. These are some of the elements which give Patriot- 
ism its loftiness, and grandeur-. If it, be not so deep as the 
domestic affections, it takes a wider sweep, and becomes far 
more comprehensive. Hence intelligent, loyal christians al- 
ways hang the flag of their country next under the banner 
of the cross. Grecian, and Roman Philosophy which had its 
rise before the dawn of Christianity, knew no virtue greater 
than this. The panegyrics of ancient orators always closed 
here. Patriotism was the highest virtue to which they could 
elevate a departed friend. Poets in their mythology al- 
ways placed the lover of his country on the highest seat 
among the Gods. Historians, whether ancient, or modern, 
have never failed to rank Patriotism, whether found in the 
statesman, or the soldier, at the head of human excellence. 
And hence it happens thatpistory is so much a narrative of 
war, in which this virtue is so often, and so naturally illus- 
trated. The exhibition of this virtue so universally admired 
has given a seeming justification to wars, which in themselves 



were wanton, and cruel. Tliou-^aiuls have reiterated the pat- 
riotic and classic sentinieiit, '^Du/cc ct. decorum est pro pat- 
r'ui 77tiirl."' *-'It is sweet, and honorable to die for one's 
country/' Others iu exile have gone to the top of some Pis- 
gah, where, like Moses, they could die with theu* eyes resting 
upon the land of their birth. 

It abates nothinq; from the elevation of this vii'tue to sav, 
that there are many who enter the service of their country 
from lower, and baser motives. Men are found in every pro- 
fession untrue to their professed principles. The more val- 
uable the coin the more inducement to counterfeit. The dis- 
simulation, and want of sincerity in some, take nothing 
from the merit of great, and lofty viilues in others. We 
have mercenary soldiers ; we have those who enlist from 
mere love of novelty ; we \\nve those Avho are dispirited, and 
demoralized ; but such only shed the more lustre upon those 
w^ho are truly patriotic. They are the dark ground w^ork, 
which makes the diamonds shine the brisfhter. 

2d. Patriotism especially in the soldier , commands the univer- 
sal respect of mankind. There is a truer appreciation of mer- 
it in the world than we sometimes imagine. It often seems 
to us that virtue has no advocates, and that the popular ear is 
deaf to true greatness, and goodness. For the time be- 
ing it may be so. The din and bustle of present commotion, 
may draw away public attention from those who suffer wor- 
thily. But time is quite sure to put the matter right. What 
I have already said of the ancients, is true of the present age, 
and in all countries. In this one thing they all agree, that 
the patriotic soldier shall live in the annals of time. The 
orator seizes upon his name around which to hang some of 
his noblest sentiments. He takes it to move the popular ear, 
and to make the climax of his most eloquent sentences. If 
he can introduce a Warren, a Washington, or a LaFayette, 
he is sure to secure applause. The Poet who vivcdly por- 
trays the stii-rings of a patriotic heart is sure to find admiring 
readers. And the historian makes patriotic action the bone 
of his narrative, around w^hich to wind the drapery of small- 
er events. The public feeling demands all this. There is a 
greediness for such stii-rings which is never cloyed. It is so 
in all countries. The works that are most admired, in the 
department of Eloquence, Poetry or Biography are those 
which partake largely of the patriotic element. Nothing 



awakens stronger, and quicker vibrations in the soul of man 
itniversalty, than that Avhich pertains to love of country. Kos- 
suth, and Garibaldi, with all their impulsiveness, and impa- 
tience will live to a late* generation in the memory of man. 
On the contrary nothing stirs up deeper emotions of disgust, 
and indignation than treasonable designs. If there is any one 
thing at which the universal feelings of mankind revolt, it is 
this Absalom, Cataline, Arnold and Burr are names meai- 
tioned only with execration. They are the representative 
names, whicli public speakers, and writers use only to give 
intensity to their abhorrence of the crimes in which they were 
engaged. If any one wishes to secui*e a base, and lasting no- 
toriety, he has only to lift a strong parricidal hand against 
his country, and history will do the rest. It will place his 
conduct in letters more durable than if cut in marble. His 
actions will tingle in the ears of his children, and cause the 
blush, of shame to come over the countenances of his inno- 
cent posterity. Mankind cannot be bribed into the approval 
of treason, the moment it goes beyond the line of sectional 
strife. Even enemies who have been pitted against us, honor 
the man who has been true to his country. Would one gain 
respect as a Prisoner of War, he must defend his own coun- 
tryman from unjust, and false charges. Such, is the instinc- 
tive reverence for true loyalty the world over, that we even 
admire it in an enemy. 

3d. True Patriotism impels one to the greatest hardships, and 
dangers. There are no scenes at which the human heart 
more instinctively recoils than the atrocities of war. In it- 
self considered, war is the most abhorrent of all deeds in 
whicli man can engage. Its very genius is blood, carnage, 
suffering, and death. It is systematized and legalized destruc- 
tion of human life on a gigantic scale. It carries all con- 
ceivable woes in its train. But "it is the surgery 
of crime." Nations must submit to it at times in or- 
der to save life. They are at times driven to it without any 
power honorable to themselves to prevent it. Patriotism 
shows its spirit in its willingness to engage in this surgery 
and bear its part in the suffering incident to the operation. 
It is positively certain when an army is raised for any consid- 
erable term of active service, not more than one half will ev- 
er return to their homes again to enjoy health, and peaceful 
tranquillity ; yet Patriotism in true and loyal hearts will car- 



ly thousands into the battle- fit'ld and the caiup, with all the 
contingencies in view. Life seems to lose its value even with 
prudent, thoughtiul, christian men Mhen their country lies 
bleeding under the loot ot the oppressor, or when treason 
threatens to tear it limb from limb. How else can we ac- 
count for the readiness with M'hich i^rcat and gifted minds 
will enter the arena of war ? How can Ave account for the 
fact that suffering, and maimed soldiers, even before their 
wounds are healed, arc so ready to enter into the contest 
again ? True, and lofty Patriotism apparently ignores all 
suffering : it sets aside all personal interests ; it hardly takes 
cognizance of life itself. It is swallowed up in the great 
thought of the country's triumph. 

4th. True Patriotism rises above the fitter, aiid better feelings, 
of social, and domestic life. It seems at times as if soldiers 
almost forget that they are bound by any endearing ties 
at home. When National honor, or existence is imperiled, 
they turn away from their wives, and children, as if spell bound 
by the louder, and more pressing calls of a suffering country. 
It is not because they love home less, but their country more. 
What more sublime scene, than to see a young husband turn 
away from a newly wedded bride to fight his country's bat^ 
ties ? Look at Arnold of Winkleried before the Austrians 
on the plains of Switzerland. "Protect my wife and chil- 
dren," he exclaimed, and threw himself upon the enemy's 
lances, and saved his Nation. 



-''gathering, with a wide embrace 



\ Into bis single heart, a sheaf 

Of fatal Austrian spears." 

How surprising to see the tenderest of all domestic rela- 
tions thrown entirely into the shade, when placed side by side 
with national liberty, and honor. Nor is the sacrifice all 
confined to those who enter into the service. What Patriot- 
ism glows in the hearts of parents, wives, sisters, when they 
say to the loved ones "Go serve your country" ! Nothing 
is more affecting in the annals of domestic love, than the 
consecration of a widowed mother, when she gives her only 
son to this service. "Here is ray last child," she ittys, "take 
him as an offering which I lay upon the altar of my distract- 
ed country" ! A Father, the author of "2%€ Sergeant's Mc' 
morial,"'' who had just lost this promising «on in the camp, 
says recently in a private letter, "Ever since my sou died I 
have been anxious to have a right arm in the service. But 



ttoaeph not yet nineteen, was too youns^ to be di'al'ted or to 
volunteer as a private. Wh^i, however, I saw the govern- 
ment failing for troops, I said to him, "Go link my name 
and your destiny with the freedom of the slave, and the de- 
fence of your country." He had just been admitted as a So- 
phomore at Williams College. Such is the spirit of Patriot- 
ism swelling in the bosom of thousands «f Fathers. It was 
but a few months since, Avhile riding in the cars by the side 
of a devoted mother who was returninsj home from a milita- 
ry Hospital, with a weak and emaciated son, who Avas soon, 
no doubt, to die, I said to her, you are paying a great price 
for your country's preservation." "Yes" ! shfe replied, "but 
nothing compared with what it is worth" — "I have another, 
and only son at home, which his father, and myself have con- 
cluded to give to our country ; and this is all we can do. — 
We can trust our old age to Him who will be more to us than 
our children." Such mothers we have, and blessed be their 
memory ! Future generations will honor them, and history 
will make their names immortal. Says a father who has 
three living sons in the army : "Often since this great strug- 
gle began for our country, and for liberty, and righteousness, 
the regret has arisen in my mind that my eldest son who died 
fifteen years ago, when he had just entered upon his 21st 
year could not have had the privilege of making the great 
sacrifice which so many are now making for the cause of our 
country and the world." 

Such are the feelings, and such the achievments of true 
Patriotism. The uprising of the loyal portion of oui- whole 
Nation is an ample illustration of the power of this virtue 
over men. So long as -\ve were travelling on in peace and 
prosperity, not one in a thousand of n^kn^'wthat such a vir- 
tue slumbered in our bosom. It lay inoperative as powder 
rests quietly in the magazine. We knew not what great en- 
ergies were in peaceful repose in our hearts. But the call of 
our country in distress awoke these slumbering virtues, and 
millions of loyal freemen sprang up as from the dead, and 
came to her rescue. 

Patriotism, whose nature I have now described,*has a wor- 
thy illustration in the character of Lieut. John Howard Wor- 
cester whose obsequies we are this day called to attend. To 
us he was known mainly as an active, amiable, high minded 
young man, just stepping upon the threshold of vigorous man- 



10 

hood. Our knunlcdge of hhn was mostly that of a promis- 
ing youth "who was born aiid brotight up M'ith us. ^Ve knew 
him as a member of the Sabbath School ; as one who uni- 
formly respected the institutions of Religion, and lent his in- 
fluence to promote morality, and good order. AVe knew him 
as a diligent, and successful student; as a young man of unsul- 
lied reputation and of imivcrsal respect. We had no oppor- 
tunity to know him in any other relation. He left just as 
his eaidy manhood began to develope. It was his purpose 
before our civil war broke out to have entered upon tlie pro- 
fession of the law. His studies for some time had been in 
that direction. But when his country's calls came they found 
a quick response in his bosom. After a short deliberation 
he resolved to link his destiny with hers, and abide the re- 
sult. It was no spirit of novelty, nor love of camp, or field, 
that led him to this conclusion. It was a stern sense of duty 
and love of country. 

Lieut. Worcester was born in Hollis, N. H., January 18, 
1839. He enlisted as a j'l'ivate in the Summer of ISbl ; and 
was elected the 2d Lieut, in the company -which was after- 
wards known as Co. H. in the 7th Regiment ol N. H. V. 
under the command of Col. Putnam. The Regiment after 
spending a few months at Manchester, N. H. was ordered to 
Washington, D. C. While at N. York their destination was 
changed to Tortugas ; thence after doing garrison duty at 
Fort Jefferson for a season, they were transferred to Port 
Royal, S. C, thence to St. Augustine, Florida. Here on 
the resignation of Lieut. Potter the First Lieut of the com- 
pany, Lieut. Worcester was elected to fill his place. The re- 
giment was then ordered for a short time to Fernandina ; 
then to Folly, and^oon after to Morris Island. On the night 
of the 19th of July last, after a most terrific bombardment 
by the Ironsides, and the monitors during the day, an as- 
sault was ordered about sun down upon Fort Wagner by the 
land forces. The 7th N. H. Regiment took part in this en- 
gagement, one of the most sanguinary during the Avar. Here 
it was that Xiieut. Worcester was severely wounded in the 
left leg just above the ancle, while on the parapet of the 
fort cheering his men on to duty. After the command 
of retreat Avas given by the lamented Putnam then act- 
ing as Brigadier General, he was assisted by one of his 
wounded men down into the ditch. Here by a fatal mis- 



/ 



11 

chance they fell into a hole made by the bursting of a shell. 
After a fruitless attempt to extricate himself from this posi- 
tion by the aid of his companion, with a magnanimity of a 
true soldier, he bade him take care of himself, and to send 
some one if possible to his assistance. A faithful search was 
made for him by thn Surgeon and others, but the darkness 
and tumult of the night made doubly intense by the smoke and 
roar [of a hundred] guns on the surrounding batteries, made 
it impossible to distinguish a friend from a foe, even a few 
feet from them. The attempt was abandoned as hopeless ; 
and the Lieut, lay probably where he was left by his com- 
panion until the next morning, when he was found by the 
enemy, and cairied into Charleston Avhere his limb was am- 
putated. On the 25th he was returned under a flag of truce, 
and carried to Hilton Head, with the exoectation of beinsr 
sent >(orth with the other wounded men. While the vessel 
was lying in p-irt preparing for her departure his spirit was 
called to rest. In consequence of the gangrene striking his 
limb, it commenced bleeding about 11 o'clock on the night of 
the 15th, and at 3 o'clock on the next morning he died, be- 
ing 2-1 years, 6 months old. He Avas hopeful, and his spirit 
buoyant up to the last hour ; and when he saw he must go, 
he calmly resigned himself to his fate. His last words to a 
comrade lying by his side, were, '-Give my love to my men, 
and tell them I shall be with them no more. Tell my friends 
at home all you know of me." His men and home the ruling 
passions strong in death. His remains were interred at Hil- 
ton Head, under a military escort by a company of the 8th 
Maine Regiment. From that place his remains have been re- 
moved by a surviving brother to the home of his youth, and we 
are now about to lay them down in their final resting place, 
no more to be disturbed till the slumbering dust shall be 
awakened to a new life beyond the grave. Thus in the poet- 
ic words of a friend in a tribute of affection to his memory, 

"Another costly sacrifice 

*• Is on the altar laid, 

" Another portion of the price 

•« Of Liberty is paid ! 

" Another eye has lost its fire, 

•• Another cheek its bloom, 

*• Another home on Northern Hills 

•• Is wrapped in sorrow's gloom." 

Lieut. Worcester was just the man his country wanted. 
Firm in his convictions of the justice of her cause ; actire, 



1;^ 

and forcible as a native element of character, he was a right 
arm of strength in her service. It was not enough for him 
that he gave himself to the work ; but from the hour of his 
enlistment he was active in encouraging others to follow his 
example. Nature had fitted him for a popular, and successful 
officer. His form was large, and commanding. He well un- 
derstood the sympathies of men ; his heart was generous and 
sympathetic ; his feelings were tender and compassionate. 
While off duty, his manner was naturally familiar, but blend- 
ed with a dignity, and self respect which always secured es- 
teem. He had the happy talent of mingling freely, and so- 
cially with his men, and yet maintaining a complete command 
over them. It Avas a command so uncommon in the army, 
one of respect and love. The honors of his office never 
elated him, nor made him feel above those of equal intelli- 
sence, and moral worth in the ranks. He Avas imselfish, 
and self sacrificing, ahvays more anxious for the comfort of 
others, than for himself. When away from duty, he Avas im- 
patient to return lest his company should in some Avay suffer 
from his absence. It Avas a maxim Avith him, that the place 
of an officer was among his men, looking after their health, 
their morals, their discipline, and stimulating them Avith pat- 
riotic motives. He Avell kncAv how much more a healthy, 
moral, -loyal, and hopeful soldier, Avas Avorth, than one dis- 
eased, vicious, disloyal and desponding. He therefore ap- 
plied himself to this point. He endeavored to make the most 
of his men, by increasing their virtues. His OAvn example, and 
counsel, Avere always sternly set against strong drink, profan- 
ity, tobacco and gambling. He knew how to urge his views 
without giving offence. We Avere, prepared therefore, to hear 
as we do from all quarters that he Avas a uniA' ersal favorite. 
Surgeon Boynton says of him : *'His excellent qualities Avere 
fast maturing into all that constitutes a truly noble, and mag- 
nanimous man. As an officer no man in the regiment has im- 
proved hke him, and none was before him in promise. He 
was a general favorite with both officers and men ; and no ' 

one whose fate it was to fall on that sad night, was more uni 
yersally lamented. Lieut. Potter in a brief published obitu- 
ary notice says : — 

" In the discharge of every duty to his country and those 
under him, he was faithful and persevering ; in attention to 
the welfare of every man of his company he was untiring ; 



■I 



13 

in fidelity to every trust imposed upon hiiu he was unswerv- 
ing. No effort was too great if he could better the condi- 
tion of a private or serve a friend ; no hardship stood in the 
way of duty. Such honesty, such fidelity, such energy, and 
such kindness, won for him the highest esteem and the sin- 
cerest attachment and regard of all who knew him. In the 
camp and on the njarch he was always cheerful, and his kind 
words gave courage to others to bear up under perils and 
hardships. 

His character was unexceptionable ; his habits strictly tem- 
perate, his principles unwavering, Few have withstood the 
many tendencies to intemperance in the army ; but amid all 
such influences he maintained a worthy example of "total 
abstinence." No persuasions of his associates, no excuses 
of "the bad effects of climate" could induce him to swerve 
jfrom his principles. 

His service, short, earnest and fi^ithful, is ended. But his 
noble example lives and will be felt on the field of battle so 
long as a remnant of his company shall survive. Though 
not so illustrious as some by rank he will receive the undying 
gratitude of his country, together wi^h the thousands who 
have fallen with him in the same cause." 

A like testimony comes from Col. Abbott, and Capt. Ames, 
and officers in other regiments of his acquaintance. One of 
his own men in presenting to him a small testimonial of his 
regard, says in a note, "You are ever ready to share our joys 
and sorrows ; mingling with us to cheer our pathway ; with 
a soul full of sympathy and love ; a brave soldier, a good 
commander. When, in future years, you glance at this token 
of respect, and recall to mind the incidents of a soldier's life, 
remember it is but a faint expression of my gratitude to you."* 

Alas ! The loved Lieut, and his loving soldier who gave 
utterance to such tender expressions of affectionate regard 
are both gone. They both fell in the same fearful struggle. 
No more incidents of a soldier's life will they here recall, but 
will rest together where the shocks of war will no more be 
heard. 

"We cannot recount for Lieut. Worcester many acts of 
bravery, as we could for an old veteran in the service. He 
had only one opportunity to test his courage in battle. In this, 

*A. J. Beriy, of Hadson, N. H. 



however he ciiriiutl laurels enough to place his name among 
the most gillant defenders of his country. In that terrible 
night-assault on Fort Wagner he was among the first to fall. 
During the incessant rain of canister and shell which swept 
the plains for half a mile while our brave troops were ad- 
vancinir, he was amonq; his men s^ivinar them words of cheer. 
Col. Abbott says the last time he saw him, he told him to see 
that his ranks were kept closed up. His reply was ciiarac- 
teristic of himself, and a brave officer, "I shall try sir, to do 
my dutv." Had there been other battles for him to fight, his 
country would have found him at his post. 

The fall of Lieut. Worcester in this assault Avill forever 
link his name with the gallant Putnam, and Strong, and 
Shaw, and other noble officers whose remains still slumber 
on that memorable battle ground. History will weave all 
their names into a chaplet of glory, and hand them down to 
admiring, and grateful generations. 

Had he been buried on the field of his glory, by the side 
of his endeared Colonel, his remains doubtless never would 
have been removed. But resting as they originally did, in a 
locality which had no connection with the place of his fall, 
parental, and fraternal affection desired to draw them nearer 
their own quiet retreat, where loved ones could go and 
weep ; and where his own associates and future generations 
could go and do them honor. There wc leave them in that 
great store-house which holds the remains of so many of the 
fallen patriots of our bleeding country. They are safely em- 
balmed in a nation's affections. They will rest peacefully till 
the last battle of truth and righteousness is fought and the last 
victory is won, when all who have fought the good fight 
will rise to a glorious and ceaseless reward. 

While we are thus endeavoring to pay a just tribute to the 
memory of Lieut. Worcester, we would not overlook other 
brave and worthy young men from our town who have died 
by disease while in their country's service. Though he was 
the first of all our number to fall in battle or from wounds 
there received, others have as really given their lives for our 
cause. We remember Hayden, and Colburn, and Fletcher 
and Ball, and Howe, and Wright, and Hobart, and Jewett. 
all of whom had our respect ; and with whose friends we 
have and do most deeply sympathise. We respect their 
memories for the many virtues they possessed, and we re- 



16 

spcct them most of all that they so readily, and checrftally 
became the defenders of our imperiled country. Let it be 
borne in mind that the honor >ve this day pay to the officer 
of their own choice, is but the rcprcsentathx honor, which wc 
would bestow upon each and tvery one. The soldiers in the 
ranks and the officers in command are to us one and the 
same when of equal merit. In honoring one we would honor 
the other. In taking leave of the memory of our friend we 
desire to assure the bereaved family, and especially him whose- 
painful duty it Avas to accompany these remains home, and 
who must deeply feel his brother's loss in the daily round of 
military duty, of oxir heartfelt sympathy. We recoil instinct- 
ively from entering into the inner sanctuary of wounded 
hearts. We naturally stand mute before the altar on which 
lie the bleeding sensibilities. But we are impelled to say to 
our friends, that our hearts throb with theirs. A few days 
since and you looked upon that noble form, that active mind, 
that amiable disposition, and that patriotic devotion, justly 
the pride of your hearts, with hope, and promise. You bid 
him adieu hoping he would return, with new laurels. He has 
returned with a new lustre given to his name. But alas ! the 
price it has cost. Perhaps this father will say Avith another, 
"I would not exchange the memory of my dead son for the 
possession of any living one I know of." Yet there must be 
depths of grief in the concession. 

We also extend our sympathy to those true hearted loyal 
men of his \;ompany both in the ranks, and in commission. 
The.y have lost one whose heart and soul w^as alive to all their 
interests. We can imasrine the sorrow of that dismal night 
when the scattered remnant of their company came dropping 
into camp, and their Lieut, was among the missing. Heavy 
were those sighs, and bitter were those tears, when his fate 
was disclosed. But his associates in office and his men do 
not weep alone. The Lieut, sleeps with the tens of thousands 
of America's noblest sons who have given themselves as mar- 
tyrs to this holy cause. Not solitary families, but the Na- 
tion itself are the mourners. We all follow the defenders of 
our country silently and sadly to the grave. Every true sol- 
dier in his fall finds a mourner in every loyal heart. ' 

The lesson taught us by the occasion is cheerful submis- 
sion to Him who is ruling all our destinies in the interests of 
Hip kingdom. The reign of righteousness is at hand. The 



16 

blood of these young martyi'-s is the seed out of which is to 
spring a new, and higher life in Christian civilization. The 
fall of each young hero, is one more element of influence 
put into the circulation of moral causes, which is to hasten 
the advent of universal peace. The time is coming M'hen 
"swords shall be beaten into plow-shares, and spears into 
pruning hooks, and nations shall learn war no more." Every 
life sacrificed in support of constitutional law, and order, 
will hasten that long desire 1 day. Shall we not then stand 
at our post us, with hearts true, and loyal to our country, 
and our God ? He has made it our great mission for the 
hour, to put down tliis rebellion. It is a gigantic monster 
which has already devoured tens of thousands of our noblest 
sons. It will cost more lives, and blood which we must give 
without repining. If God lays our loved ones upon the altar 
of our country for its purification, and through it to bless the 
World, we will say, the Lord helping us "Thy will be done." 
If such a costly lustration is demanded, let the price be paid. 
The lesson of the hour also is one of personal address to 
ourselves to "be also ready." This voice not only comes 
from him who lies sleeping before us, but from the empty 
seat of him, who in the prime' of young manhood, was with 
us last Sabbath, but is now waiting the funeral solemnities of 
the morrow.* Quicker than if the ball had pierced the heart 
was the summons to the other world. These voices have a 
message to young men bidding them do at once what they pur- 
pose to do in life. Let the calls of your departeft associates, 
my young friends, be heard. Rise at once to the true dignity 
of your position, as young men, and determine that though 
your lives may be short, they shall not be in vain. 

♦Daniel Dow, a most worthy young man, who was killed by coming in contact 
with a bridge when in the cars. 



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